Sunday Knox: 2 Timothy 2:8-13

"Fix thy mind on Jesus Christ, sprung from the race of David, who has risen from the dead; that is the gospel I preach, 

and in its service I suffer hardship like a criminal, yes, even imprisonment; but there is no imprisoning the word of God. For its sake I am ready to undergo anything; for love of the elect, that they, like us, may win salvation in Christ Jesus, and eternal glory with it. It is well said, We are to share his life, because we have shared his death; if we endure, we shall reign with him, if we disown him, he in his turn will disown us. If we play him false, he remains true to his word; he cannot disown himself." -2 Timothy 2:8-13 

Welcome Back Bible Poll

Which English Language Catholic Bible Do You Use Daily?

Douay-Rheims

Douay-Confraternity

Knox

RSV-CE/RSV-2CE

Jerusalem Bible

New Jerusalem Bible

New American Bible (any edition)

New Revised Standard Version

Christian Community Bible/New Community Bible

NLT-CE

The Message: Catholic Ecumenical Edition

Other

Survey Maker

Scepter's Pocket RSV-CE NT

A number of people have emailed me during the past month or so who are very excited about this new Pocket RSV-CE NT from Scepter.  I have yet to see one in person, so would be interested in hearing from those of you who have.  With a price of $15.00, it clearly is a must for all those who love the RSV-CE.  I hope to have a review copy in the coming weeks to review for you.

Specs:

Pocket New Testament -Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition

Following years of popularity with a pocket New Testament in the Confraternity translation, Scepter now releases an easily readable, yet pocket size (3 x 5 inches) RSV CE version in bonded and synthetic leather covers.

The print size is bold and provides an easy read with a single column format. Each New Testament is well bound with reinforcement strips on the outside signatures to provide years of service without the binding splitting or weakening. Other features include: Gold foil stamping on cover and spine, Four-page end papers, Round spine with round cover corners, Head and tail bands, One ribbon marker, 672 pages

This pocket NT is about a half inch wide. Thus it can be carried easily anywhere, at work, during travel, or at home. Useful for everyone, whether just for one’s own reading, for preparation of talks or homilies or commentaries, or as a gift to a friend or family member.

Guest Post: Catching Up and my CTS Bible Journey

Thank you to Gerald for this first guest post.

Well, how was it going?

I know many of us readers, missed this blog.

Perhaps still checking the blog for new entries...

And now, the blog's back! As support for Tim and for all the readers to likewise be inspired to contribute guests post on the blog, I'll do the ribbon cutting. But first of all, let me share who I was in this blog.

I am Gerald, from the Philippines, being one of the very least among the readers here in the Philippines. The time difference is a common obstacle for me. When everybody else is in heated argument on the other side of the globe, here I am, sleeping on my couch. When it is my time to open up, everybody else is on Dream Land.

I already did 3 guest posts before, so you might want to check them out.

In the past number of months, I have been struggling on one real dilemma

"What version of the Bible will I use?" This is a real struggle and this dilemma does not only confuse the newbie, but even the experienced readers, after many years of looking through many versions are still in this "petty" question. Maybe this question led me to start my enthusiasm on Bible, in search for The One.

However, after years of being in the journey, it came down to just two:

1) Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition

2) CTS Catholic Bible (Jerusalem Bible + Grail Psalms)

Interestingly enough, these two versions were born in 1966. A golden year for me perhaps. I have been juggling between the two. Both are very good versions of the Scriptures and each has their benefits, namely:

RSV-CE:

1) Heavily reliable as an all-around text. Scholars and apologetics alike use them. Great version to stick with if you are in journey of knowing the Faith more.

2) The text is a pretty stable one and is helpful for conversing with Protestants which are currently enamoured with ESV.

3) Reads beautifully and a nice-flowing version

CTS CATHOLIC BIBLE

1) Being based from the Jerusalem Bible, the version is an easy read.

2) Though worded at a lower level, it still expresses gracefully wuthout having to be gender-inclusive.

3) It is best for devotional uses, especially for daily Lectio Divina.

Tim knew back then how I struggled with the two. When I moved to a new room in Manila, I brought with me both versions. I knew that the two will be helpful in my Bible time there: RSVCE for my scholarly study, and CTS for my devotional time.

Initially, I chosen the RSVCE and left the CTS back on the shelves in my hometown since I saw the value of ingesting many Catholic materials to my Faith. I even brought with me Pope Emeritus' "Jesus of Nazareth" and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which by the way used the RSV as their base text for verse citations.

But after some time, when I started to become much occupied from work and my masteral studies, I found myself dwindling on reading the Scriptures. I felt that "scholarly dealing" with the Scripture became a "duty" for me to do. And I found myself struggling with even picking up the Bible and just read it.

By that time, I already longed for my CTS Bible back home, only that I cannot visit my homeland immediately because of financial constraints. I said to myself: "I'll give the RSVCE a chance, maybe I am just lacking time for God in general." And so I did. But still, I am struggling. I know how much the RSVCE can help in my Faith. But I suddenly lost my taste in pursuing, just because I saw that the Bible starting to become an obligation to fulfill.

Just this Saturday, I already visited my hometown. First thing I did upon reaching home is to get my CTS on the shelves and put the RSV back there. And in an instant, I just felt excited to open up the Bible. Too much excitement that I even forgot to start a prayer in reading the set of Mass readings for Sunday, which I always do even in my RSVCE. I must say that the vigor is different compared to if I read my RSVCE for reading Sunday Mass readings.

Many of you might say that: "Am I to stop being informed of my Faith by leaving the RSV behind?" The reality is, while many of us can be really conversant and knowledgeable with the Scriptures. I already experienced it, without really digging into what Bible should do to us Christians, we are ending up treating the Bible as an academic document that is scholarly exciting due to extant studies done to it for the last decades. And we will just find ourselves still hungry for the Word that touches our lives in a supernatural, not a superficial way.

"The Bible should not only INFORM us, but most importantly, to TRANSFORM us."

Sunday Knox: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

"That is why I would remind thee to fan the flame of that special grace which God kindled in thee, when my hands were laid upon thee.  

The spirit he has bestowed on us is not one that shrinks from danger; it is a spirit of action, of love, and of discipline. Do not blush, then, for the witness thou bearest to our Lord, or for me, who am his prisoner; share all the tribulations of the gospel message as God gives thee strength. With all the faith and love thou hast in Christ Jesus, keep to the pattern of sound doctrine thou hast learned from my lips.  By the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, be true to thy high trust."

-2 Timothy 1:6-8,13-14 (Knox)

Hello!

So, I have been spending some time in prayer the past few months discerning the future of this blog.  A couple weeks back I decided to put an end to it.  However, I have reconsidered.  I received some encouragement in prayer, as well as some kind words given to me by a number of readers of this blog.  So, I am going to slowly bring this blog back.  The issue is that I am going to need some help.  Work is extremely busy currently and will remain so for the rest of the year.  Home life is busy too with two kids and the newborn.  So, I am going to need some help.  I will gladly accept some regular contributions from you, my wonderful readers, for the next few months.  If you are interested, please let me know.

Blog Sabbatical

Hello friends and loyal readers.  Something that I have wrestled with over the past year or so is how much longer this blog would continue.  As a number of you know, my wife and I just recently had our third child, which makes for a very busy household.  And speaking of household, we also just moved into a new house as well....not to make things any more hectic!  :)  (Emoji alert!)  :)

Those realities, along with the fact I work two jobs, have made this past year a difficult one in keeping up on the blogging.  I don't think, particularly during the past year, the content that I have provided to you has been of the "quality" of past years.  "Quality" being a relative term, since my skill in writing has never been that great to begin with!  Honestly, though, I simply do not have the time (or desire) for lengthy reviews anymore or the more detailed evaluations of particular translations.

So, as of today, I will be stepping away from blogging for at least the next few months.  I am not 100% sure where this will lead or whether it will be permanent.  Over these next few months I am going to spend some time in prayer discerning what will come next, if anything.    Perhaps in silence, if that is possible, I will find the next path that is before me.

But before I do that, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have stopped by this blog since 2008.  You have all been a real blessing to me.  I remain grateful to all of you who have sent photos, guest posts, and comments over these past years.  A number of you I count as friends today, while all of you I consider brothers and sisters in Christ.  I would have liked to mention some of you by name, but I would have certainly left off a few names some, so I won't.  All of you will remain in my prayers.

I started this blog because I couldn't find a place on the web that was solely dedicated to Catholic Bibles. My first post, back in August of 2008, concluded with: "It is my hope that many Catholics (and all who will read this blog) will come to appreciate the various Catholic Bible translations, from the Douay-Rheims to the NRSV-CE. I also plan to update regularly the various Bible resources that become available."  I hope that I have, in some small way, achieved this over the past 8 years.  

"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen!" 

-Revelation 21:21 (NRSV)